Breast Cancer Awareness
October 2017
Sarah Oehrlein
Her own intuition leading to early detection saved her life
Also featured:
+ Kathy Buxton + Nancy Cross PLUS!
Tips 5 Exam and more >>> Mammogram
A Brainerd Dispatch and Echo Journal Publication
Breast Cancer Awareness • October 2017
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Here with you beating cancer
Early diagnosis makes a difference in the fight against cancer. That’s why Essentia Health provides breast, colon and lung cancer screenings. Thanks to a new low-dose CT scan and a mammogram, cancers in Pat’s lung and breast were detected at early stages. She is now cancer-free! The accreditated Cancer Center at Essentia HealthSt. Joseph’s Medical Center supports every patient on their journey with a patient navigator, clinical trial options and a multidisciplinary team. 218.828.3113 EssentiaHealth.org/BrainerdCancerCenter
Contents Breast Cancer Awareness ‘17 In this Edition
Mammograms.......................4 5 Tips for a more comfortable exam
Kathy Buxton..........................6 Serving her passion through the Pink Ribbon Cupboard.
Nancy Cross...........................6
Dear Readers, We are so very honored and thankful to our featured women who were willing to share their very personal and compelling stories with us in an effort to raise awareness about breast cancer. Special thanks to our advertisers, who make this publication possible with their support. Many thanks!
Building support and awareness is a gift Nancy is happy to give.
Self Exam................................8
12 Sarah Oehrlein Cover Photo by Kelly Humphrey, Brainerd Dispatch Photographer
Steps and tips to help you recognize abnormalities.
Sarah Oehrlein.....................12 A "gut feeling" told Sarah to press for more testing.
Publication Staff Publisher: PETE MOHS Advertising Director: SUSIE ALTERS Marketing Coordinator: LEO MILLER Copy Editor: DELYNN HOWARD Art Director: LISA HENRY
Breast Cancer Awareness is an annual publication of the Brainerd Dispatch and Echo Journal. Advertising: 218-855-5898
Questions or comments: Leo.Miller@BrainerdDispatch.com
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Breast Cancer Awareness • October 2017
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EDUCATION PREVENTION AND EDUCATION
Mammograms 5 Mammogram 3-D technology
Melinda Jackson, Breast Imaging Manager at CRMC.
3-D mammography is a relatively new breast imaging procedure. Available in all three major lakes area medical clinics including Cuyuna Regional Medical Clinic, Essentia and Lakewood Health System.
Benefits of 3-D • Earlier detection of small breast cancers • Greater accuracy in pinpointing size, shape and location of breast abnormalities • Fewer biopsies or additional tests • Greater detection of multiple breast tumors • Clearer dense breast tissue images
Drawbacks? Although uncommon, it is possible to find small breast cancers that would not become life threatening, grow or spread leading to over-diagnosis and over-treatment, according to cancer.org. 4
Breast Cancer Awareness • October 2017
Tips for your Mammogram
Many women avoid mammograms out of fear of the pain and discomfort associated with the procedure. Here's some tips that can help.
1. Time your visit. Breasts are not as tender one week after a period. 2. Dress well. Wear a shirt and bra that are easy to take off and put on. Consider a front button up shirt if you wear make-up or style your hair. 3. Pack the pain meds. OTC pain meds may help with discomfort. 4. Perfume negative. Things like perfume, deoderant, lotions and body powders can show up as false positives. 5. Avoid caffeine. Some women find that caffeine contributes to breast tenderness. Avoid caffeine a week prior.
Q.
At what age do I need to start mammograms? Short answer: Between 45 and 54, but talk to your doctor as it may vary from person to person.
A. The American Cancer Society now recommends that women between the ages of 45 and 54 receive annual mammograms. According to the findings on Komen.org, mammogram recommendation guidelines for women vary depending on risk factors, age and family medical history. Talk to your doctor about your specific cancer risk and at what age you should start mammogram screenings.
Did you know?
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Breast Cancer Awareness • October 2017
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SURVIVOR
PHOTO BY LISA HENRY
Kathy Buxton
Embracing the Passion of Breast Cancer Awareness BY CARISSA ANDREWS FEATURE WRITER
Sometimes
passions begin out of tragic losses. For Kathy Buxton, 22-year breast cancer survivor, and 40-year resident of the Brainerd lakes area, that was the case. Breast cancer runs in her family, so when her cancer was confirmed in the mid-90s, it didn’t come as the huge surprise many women (and men) receive. Both her grandmother and aunt died in their early 30s due to this aggressive cancer. In fact, she was just 15 years old when her aunt passed, and hadn’t even been born when her grandmother died. Yet, their loss set in motion her passion for not only breast health, but helping survivors find normalcy after their diagnosis, and once in remission.
A Passion is Born
This passion for breast cancer awareness and survivor support officially began seeping into her work life eight years before her official diagnosis. At the time, Kathy was working as the head of the Herberger’s lingerie department. Her interest started out wanting to help women going through the life and body altering changes of breast cancer by offering breast prosthetics and surgical bras in Herberger’s, which was something not offered at the time. She was able to success-
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Breast Cancer Awareness • October 2017
fully bring these items to Brainerd, helping numerous women throughout the years. After her diagnosis, and thanks in part to the support of her husband, Bruce, Kathy quit her job at Herberger’s to focus on her health and recovery. Years later, her passion has been taken a step further as she owns and operates A Women’s Choice, fitting breast prosthetics and surgical bras for women. She’s also part of a four-woman board operating the Pink Ribbon Cupboard, a local fund that raises money for families
Kathy wanted all women going through treatment to focus on getting better — not worrying about paying their bills. - Kathy's inspiration for the Pink Ribbon Cupboard.
Kathy with supportive husband, Bruce Buxton. undergoing breast cancer treatment. One hundred percent of the proceeds stay in our local communities of Aitkin, Crow Wing, Cass, Todd and Wadena counties. The inception of the Pink Ribbon Cupboard came when Kathy realized some women may not have the kind of love and support she received from Bruce when she was diagnosed. She wanted all women going through treatment to focus on getting better—not worrying about paying their bills. That’s why the Pink Ribbon Cupboard helps families meet a variety of financial needs. Pink Ribbon Cupboard hosted their 8th annual Pink Tie Party fundraiser on Oct. 5 at Cragun’s Resort on Gull Lake. It featured a silent auction, raffles, food and drinks and all proceeds will go toward helping families fight breast cancer. Be on the lookout next year for another opportunity to participate in this yearly event.
Kathy’s Advice for Women
When Kathy’s breast cancer was finally found, she had already noticed the lump and had undergone a small needle biopsy as well as other tests, and everything came up negative. Upon the urging of a second opinion, Kathy went ahead and had the mass removed—only to find out she had benign cysts surrounding the cancerous tumor. Had she not had the mass removed when she
did, she may not be here to tell her tale, nor help the hundreds of women and their families that she helps today. Through her own experiences, the one thing Kathy cannot stress enough, is to be proactive, and take care of yourself. If you find something on your body that’s not meant to be there – get it out. Don’t wait for conformation to tell you it’s cancerous. Despite finding her cancer at 47, it wasn’t until 12 years later when her granddaughters were born that Kathy decided to get genetic testing done to determine which cancers she was most susceptible to. She found she was susceptible to breast cancer, thyroid cancer, skin cancer and kidney cancer. Now that she knows which to be watching for, every year Kathy undergoes an ultrasound on her kidneys, and sees the dermatologist to check her skin. She’s also had both breasts removed, as well as her thyroid to eliminate the threat of those cancers. Kathy cannot say enough good things about getting tested early and not being scared of the process. Being forewarned is being forearmed. Don’t be afraid of getting tested because the more you know, the better prepared you can be for whatever may come your way.
"Being forewarned is being forearmed." - Kathy Buxton
She also urges to stay on top of your breast health. This can be done following three simple steps (below). If you have a family history of breast cancer, these steps should start as early as age 30. If you have a clean family history, start at 40. The youngest woman Kathy has fitted for breast prosthetics at A Woman’s Choice was 23 years old. So please, don’t wait if you think breast cancer could be in your genes.
Kathy (right) with coworkers of the Pink Ribbon Cupboard, Sue (left) and Marion (center).
Get Support
Kathy encourages those undergoing breast cancer treatment to join support meetings at their local hospital (call for a schedule). Essentia Health St. Joseph’s Hospital holds a meeting the second Friday of each month at 11:30 a.m. Follow the signs leading to the meeting room in the basement level, just behind the cafeteria. No one wants to develop breast cancer, but should it arise, know that you’re not alone. Women all over the world – and right here in the Brainerd lakes area – have gone through it and are likely going through it with you. When asked why Kathy has spent much of her life helping breast cancer survivors, she replied, “When you have a passion – you just need to do something with it.”
Stay on top of your breast health with these three steps:
Kathy Buxton: 218-829-8109
1. Monthly self-examinations
Pink Ribbon Cupboard: 218-330 6648
2. Get your mammograms 3. Follow up with your doctor
For more information on A Woman’s Choice.
For more details, how to donate or attend the Pink Tie Party fundraiser.
Breast Cancer Awareness • October 2017
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PREVENTION AND EDUCATION
Self-examination
M
onthly self-exams are important to familiarize yourself with the look and feel of your breasts, enabling you to recognize any abnormalities. There are a number of ways to conduct a breast self-exam. Find the method you feel most comfortable.
IN THE MIRROR
LYING DOWN
IN THE SHOWER
Note size and shape of both breasts. Look for differences between breasts. Pay attention to how they change during menstruation. Many women find their breasts are not exactly the same size or shape.
Breast tissue will naturally distribute over your chest wall and ribs when you are lying down.
• Convenient • Use the pads of your fingers and move around entire breast in a circular pattern. • Move from the outside to the center, checking the entire breast and armpit.
Positions: • Arms at sides • Arms over head • Arms on hips
• Using your opposite hand, move the pads of your fingers around your breast gently in small circular motions covering the entire breast area and armpit.
Abnormalities to look for in each position: • Unusual dimpling or puckering • Taut or thick skin • Inverted nipples • Swelling, redness
• Squeeze the nipple and check for discharge or lumps.
• Place a pillow under your shoulder and your arm behind your head.
Early detection can mean a 95% survival rate. The National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF)
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Breast Cancer Awareness • October 2017
Don't Panic!
Don’t panic. Make an appointment with your doctor. Any lumps or abnormalities should be examined more throughly which may include a mammogram or ultrasound.
DID YOU KNOW?
SYMPTOMS
Three quarters of breast cancer
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Breast Cancer Awareness • October 2017
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PHOTO BY LISA HENRY
Nancy Cross
SUPPORT
Giving heart and hands BY MARY AALGAARD
FEATURE WRITER
Some
of the details involved in an event like the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure are obvious. You need to secure a venue where hundreds of people can gather, have enough tables and people to hand out the T-shirts, bibs, participation bags and survivor bags. It needs to be in a location that has a safe route for the actual 5K race, as well as a place to set up a platform and sound equipment for the presentation and awards. Some of the behind the scenes details aren’t as obvious, and volunteers like Nancy Cross who give freely of their hearts and hands make the whole experience go more smoothly. Nancy Cross has been involved with the Brainerd lakes Race for the Cure even before the first one in 2000, and has done everything from asking for donations to pinning a group of four pins together for the race bibs.
"No one who is going through those terrifying months and treatments should feel alone." Nancy Cross
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Breast Cancer Awareness • October 2017
- On why Nancy supports SGK's Race for the Cure. what’s going on inside your own body. You need to be vigilant in taking care of yourself and getting routine tests done.” Breast cancer can be detected early and fairly easily. We all know someone who has been affected by this disease. What makes Nancy rally around the Brainerd lakes Race for the Cure is that monies raised go directly to research, patients and education. She has witnessed the power of the event where people walk with each other and for each other. Newly diagnosed patients get a chance to talk with other survivors. People see what can be done when they come together for a common cause. Nancy firmly believes that knowledge is power. You can read the volumes of literature out there on the disease, but the best resource is knowing someone in your community who has walked the path ahead of you. They can give you resources, rides and encouragement. When Nancy’s sister Kathleen was diagnosed with ovarian cancer two years ago, they rallied around her. When she had chemo and lost her hair, Nancy shaved her head, too. She sat with her at doctor’s appointments and treatments, listened, loved and laughed with her, letting her know that she was not alone. “Those months with her were special,” she says. Kathleen passed away in February 2017, a few weeks short of her 71st birthday. “I’m so glad I had that time with her,” Nancy said. No one who is going through those terrifying months and treatments should feel like they’re alone. Nancy has been active in the Brainerd community for many years. She was the Director of Community Action from January of 1992 until her recent retirement in January 2017. She organized the Fourth of July activities, Chocolate Lovers Extravaganza, Arts in the Park, Show & Shine Car Show, community homecoming activities and many more events. She’s not afraid to do fundraising and ask for what the community needs. With her winning
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smile and positive personality, it’s hard to say “no” to Nancy Cross! She’s currently on the board for The Shop, a place for youth to gather and have positive interactions. She’s also working with the military veterans to update the war memorial in front of the old courthouse. We talked about all the causes and walks in our community and how great they are at bringing people together. Nancy started to envision a giant walk, The Fair Walk, at the fair grounds, where all the various groups could have their own T-shirts, booths and donation boxes, but everyone walks together. Walking together so no one walks alone. If anyone can make it happen, Nancy can.
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In 2015, she was named the Honorary Chair. She is the kind of person who knows how to get things done. Her gift is building community and believes that people need places and events where they come together to show support and share their stories and ideas with one another. “Everyone is affected by cancer,” she said, “And, breast cancer is a big one. This particular race is very emotional.” People race, or walk, for mothers, sisters, aunts, daughters, cousins, friends, as well as fathers, brothers, and sons. Breast cancer doesn’t care what gender you are. A little lax in her own self-care, Nancy had gone years without getting a mammogram. In the doctor’s office for an unrelated medical need, she had them do a quick screening in the exam room. “There are some spots here that we want to take a closer look at,” they said. So, she found herself getting that long put-off mammogram and was told to wait while they had someone look at the images. Now, her heart rate was up, and for those few minutes she thought that the worst could happen. Then, the sense of relief when the technician came back to reassure her that they didn’t see any cancer. Nancy says, “Don’t put off your screenings. You don’t always know
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PHOTO BY KELLY HUMPHREY
WARRIOR
Sarah Oehrlein
Normal test results didn't "feel" normal BY REBECCA FLANSBURG FEATURE WRITER
Women's
intuition
is a powerful thing. The sensitivity we call a “gut feeling” is identified as an internal feeling – a prevailing thought that tells us when something isn't right before any signs even appear. Many scientists and researchers scoff at the validity of women’s intuition, but any female who has experienced it knows that it can be one of the most influential forces on earth. Brainerd resident and Brainerd High School grad Sarah Oehrlein is a firm believer in the power of the “gut feeling” after her life unexpected took a turn in a dark direction early in 2017.
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Breast Cancer Awareness • October 2017
Sarah Oehrlein, an operating room charge nurse at CRMC, says she is blessed to be under the care of the CRMC team and this experience has allowed her to see patient care through a new lens.
As a self-described “active person,” Sarah shared she has always been someone who endeavors to lead a healthy lifestyle. Even in her teens she was an avid athlete and in the mid-1990s was named to the BHS Hall of Fame. Her dedication to being involved in sports and eating right continued well into adulthood – a passion she shared with her husband, Josh, and the couple’s two children. Then one morning in late February 2017, she discovered a lump in her breast while doing a self-exam. Immediately she scheduled an appointment for her annual mammogram and was given the “all clear” by Cuyuna Regional Medical Center’s Radiology Department. Though she was relieved at the outcome of the scan, she simply couldn’t shake the gut feeling that things were not okay. Despite being a healthy 39 year-old woman, with no family history of breast cancer, Sarah still felt compelled to reach out to her regular physician at CRMC, Dr. Robert Westin, for further help. “The results of the mammography scan were normal, but I just felt deep in my heart that things were not ‘normal,’” she recalled. “Call it ‘women’s intuition’ or whatever you want, but I just knew I couldn’t chalk up this lump in my breast as just a cyst or dense breast tissue. Dr. Westin also found the lump and agreed further steps needed to be taken to get answers.”
"No matter what, we were going to maintain a positive attitude and fighting spirit." - Sarah's plan of attack for her and her family. Dr. Westin immediately ordered a ultrasound and biopsy of the lump in her breast and seven long days later, Sarah received the news she had been dreading – the diagnosis was breast cancer. “I vividly remember the day I received the call. I was in St. Cloud with our daughter at a play and around 10:30 a.m. I was overcome with a feeling of dread. So much so that I texted my husband, our son and my mom to make sure everything was OK. I just couldn’t shake that feeling. Around 3:30 p.m. that afternoon, Dr. Westin called me and the second he said ‘Sarah,’ I knew something was wrong. He told me the results of the biopsy had hit his desk around 10:30 a.m. that day but he’d been in meetings all day. I knew instantly that was the feeling of dread I had experienced. It wasn’t someone else in my family who was in trouble, it was me. Needless to say the news was shocking.” After learning her cancer was a fast-growing form, the days and weeks that followed were a flurry of appointments and meetings with doctors and navigating the toughest task of all – telling 14-year-old Jordan, and 10-year-old, Tori. “Both of our kids were scared, but handled it well. My daughter Tori’s first question was, ‘Mom, are you going to die?’ I told her ‘no’ and that together we were going to beat this cancer and win. No matter what, we were going to maintain a positive attitude and fighting spirit.
The Oehrleins (L-R): Jordan, 14, Josh, Tori, 10, and Sarah.
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Breast Cancer Awareness • October 2017
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Best friend Samantha Welle (Left) shaved her head to show her support for Sarah.
Family support at the race for the cure. (Clockwise) Sarah, her son Jordan, Sarah's mom Kathleen Erickson, Sarah's cousin Eda May Johnson, and Sarah's daughter Tori.
“...Stay positive, surround yourself with love and support and fight it tooth and nail.”
does the faith that she will come out the other side of this journey healthier and wise. “Early detection without a doubt saved my life,” Sarah concluded. “I would have never anticipated this in my life path, but I also know that cancer doesn’t discriminate. It doesn’t care who you are, how young you are or how healthy you are. Know your body, do self-exams and don’t put off yearly mammograms. And if you do get a diagnosis of cancer, stay positive, 4.5x5.25 You can Always Count - Back of Nurse_Layout 1 9/7/15 4:09 PM Page 1 surround yourself with love and support and fight it tooth and nail.”
- Sarah Oehrlein Whatever God lies in front of us we would get through together as a family.” As an operating room charge nurse at CRMC, Sarah soon found herself in an unfamiliar position of being the patient instead of the caregiver. Instead of being the registered nurse who readied the operating room for patients, she found herself in the role of the patient under the OR lights. As the date of her partial mastectomy and lymph node dissection surgery approached, friends, family and co-workers rallied around her with love and support. After a successful surgery and a report that her lymph nodes were also clear, she began chemo in May. Her chemo consisted of four rounds, each round five hours long, every three weeks, a process she finished up in July. “I am so blessed to be a part of the CRMC team and also to be under their care as a patient,” Sarah revealed. “It’s given me a chance to see patient care through a new lens and I know this experience will make me a better nurse. I am grateful for the talents and compassion of my Care Coordinator Jill Witlock, my surgeons Dr. LeMieur and Dr. Shawn Roberts and physicians Dr. Westin and Dr. Kara Maucieri. But I am most grateful for the fact that I listened to my gut. Because my breast cancer was fast-growing, I know my outcome would be very different if I had ignored those feelings or even waited a few weeks to go back to my doctor.” As the next leg of her treatment begins, six weeks of radiation beginning the first week of September, this ambitious mom’s laser focus on getting well has not wavered. Her busy life at work and home continues and so
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Breast Cancer Awareness • October 2017
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